Some people are understandably anxious about seeing the dentist while the pandemic progresses. However, there are also no recorded incidents of patients being contaminated by dental treatment. And, frankly, maintaining your oral health is a vital part of protecting your health, not only against COVID but also against the numerous systemic conditions that science has discovered to be synonymous with oral health, particularly gum health.
In the American Heart Journal, some new research also reinforces the ties between oral health and the rest of the body.
Over 10,000 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities survey were used to perform the research. Signs of gum disease were tested in a dental cohort of close to 6,000 with no previous atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation is an erratic heart rhythm, often high, which, among other complications, may result in heart disease and stroke.
The greater the severity of the gum condition, the greater the odds of AF.
Another collection of more than 9,600 AF-free persons was divided into a pair of categories, ones who frequently visited their dentist and one who missed daily appointments and only went when problems occurred. For more than fifteen years, they were all watched to determine whether any AF symptoms were developed. It was noticed that those who chose not to visit the dentist regularly were at greater risk.
To read more, visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002870321000132?via%3Dihub.
This update is by Assure a Smile, the longest-tenured holistic dental practice in Miami. Spearheaded by Dr. Theodore “Ted” Herrmann, our top priority is to provide patients with all-encompassing oral health care that safely improves oral health and wellness. By helping patients look and feel their best through a holistic dentistry approach, we strive to empower patients to make informed lifestyle choices that result in strong teeth, healthy gums, beautiful smiles, and optimum vitality. For more information on holistic dentistry Miami or to schedule an appointment with a Miami dentist, please visit https://www.assureasmile.com or call 305-274-0047.
